Calathea Varieties
Calatheas at a Glance
Calathea plants, which consists of over 60 distinct species, are characterized by their ornately-patterned, brightly colored foliage. Along with their botanical cousins, Maranta and Geoppertia, Calatheas are often referred to as “Prayer Plants” for the way their paired leaves follow the daily sunlight while retracting at night, similar to praying hands. Although there is some differentiation among the different variants, some species of mature calathea plants can grow leaves that are up to two feet in length.
Calathea Care Information
Botanical name: Calathea sp.
Light: Low to medium sunlight, prefers shade.
Water: Requires regular watering to keep soil moist but not saturated
Soil: Well-draining and lightweight soil.
Humidity: They do best in high humidity conditions but will tolerate average humidity.
Propagation: Can be propagated by separating new offshoots from a mother plant.
Toxicity: Not toxic.
Peacock Calathea
As its common name, the Peacock Plant suggests, the Calathea Makoyana has bright and colorful foliage that it loves to show off. With a green and cream colored pattern on the top and pink and maroon on the underside, this Brazilian beauty is a great way to start your prayer plant collection
Calathea 'Pinstripe'
Pinstripe Calathea, also known as Calathea ornata, is a beautiful and popular houseplant native to South America. It is renowned for its stunning foliage, which features dark green leaves adorned with thin, pinkish-white stripes that run parallel to the veins of the plant. The contrast between the dark green and the lighter stripes creates an eye-catching and striking pattern, making it a favorite among plant enthusiasts.
Calathea 'Freddie'
The Calathea Concinna is another popular type of prayer plant that originates from Brazil. The Freddie's pointed leaves have brilliant stripes alternate between a darker, deeper green and a lighter mossy color.
Calathea 'Illustris'
The Calathea illustris is another cultivar of the roseopicta variety that has become extremely popular among plant collectors. The tops of the ornately patterned foliage features pink and neon green accents to make it a true masterpiece.
Calathea 'Beauty Star'
The 'Beauty Star' is a popular cultivar of Calathea ornata species that is characterized by the neon green stripes and lighter white accent stripes that radiate from the center of the pointed foliage.
Calathea 'Medallion'
Commonly referred to as the Medallion Calathea, this cultivar of Roseopicta has shorter broader leaves than some species of calathea but still has the brilliant green and purplish red colors that calatheas are known for.
Calathea Vittata
The Vittata is another popular version of South American calathea that is characterized by its narrower leaves and distinctive white stripes. This one is a favorite for collectors as it can be harder to find than other varieties.
Calathea Setosa
The Calathea setosa is another striking subspecies of prayer plants that is characterized by its longer, narrower foliage that has a deep green variegation with unique silver striping. This prayer plant is the ultimate indoor plant if you are looking to add a little bit of bling to your indoor oasis.
Calathea Rosy
For those that love prayer plants, the Calathea Rosy is one that will definitely stand out in even the most diverse collections. This cultivar of the Calathea roseopicta is easily distinguished from other painted prayer plants by the deep magenta and pink colorations that are found on the top side of the oval-shaped foliage.
Calathea 'Jungle Velvet'
Calathea warscewiczii, or Jungle Velvet, is known for its soft, fuzzy, and velvety leaves, which have a deep green color and burgundy undersides. The leaves are also quite large and broad, giving the plant an impressive and striking appearance. Like other Calathea plants, Jungle Velvet prefers bright, indirect light and a humid environment.
Calathea Rufibarba
Calathea rufibarba, also known as Furry Feather or Velvet Calathea, is a tropical plant native to Brazil. It is known for its stunning foliage, which features large, broad leaves with a velvety texture and a deep green color. The undersides of the leaves have a rich burgundy color, making for a beautiful contrast with the green tops.
Calathea 'Jungle Rose'
Dive into the enchanting world of tropical foliage with the Calathea roseopicta 'Jungle Rose'. This spectacular houseplant showcases a mesmerizing blend of deep greens and vibrant pinks, intricately patterned to resemble the ethereal beauty of a jungle rose. Each leaf unfurls to reveal a canvas of nature's artistry, with blush-pink centers framed by lush green borders. Hailing from the Amazon rainforests, 'Jungle Rose' is more than just a decorative piece; it's an ode to nature's unparalleled creativity. Ideal for both beginners and plant connoisseurs, this Calathea variety thrives in indirect light and loves a good humidity boost, making it perfect for bright bathrooms or kitchens.
Calathea 'Dottie'
'Dottie' is another beautiful cultivar of Calathea roseopicta that was likely bred for its unique characteristics, including the bright pink stripes on its deep green leaves and the burgundy color on the undersides of its leaves.
Calathea 'White Star'
Calathea White Star, also known as Calathea majestica, is a stunning houseplant with large, paddle-shaped leaves that are deep green with white stripes. The undersides of the leaves are a deep purple color, making for a striking contrast with the white stripes on top. This plant is native to South America and prefers bright, indirect light and a humid environment
Calathea 'Corona'
Calathea roseopicta 'Corona' is a distinguished variety of the Calathea genus, known for its uniquely beautiful foliage, ideal for those who wish to add a tropical touch to their surroundings. Originating from the rainforests of South America, primarily Brazil, this plant is a quintessential representation of tropical biodiversity.
The 'Corona' is instantly recognizable due to its stunning foliage. Each leaf is intricately patterned with deep green and blush pink, enveloped by a dark green border, creating a visually striking contrast. When exposed to low light, the leaves exhibit a lustrous shine, illuminating its surroundings with a mystical aura.
Rattlesnake Calathea
With long, narrow leaves and distinctive coloration pattern, the Lancifolia is a relatively easy specimen to care for among calatheas and makes for a great plant to start your prayer plant collection. As the name suggests, the rattlesnake plant has a distinctively reptillian pattern that is a brilliant green on top and a reddish purple underneath.
Calathea musaica
Calathea musaica, charmingly named for its intricate, mosaic-like leaf patterns, is a rare and stunning species hailing from the tropical rainforests of Brazil. The delicate network of yellow and green on its leaves forms a mesmerizing geometric design, resembling meticulously laid mosaic tiles, which brightens and enhances any living space it graces.
Thriving in conditions that mimic its tropical origins, it prefers indirect light, high humidity, and moist, well-drained soil, allowing it to maintain its vibrant and healthy appearance. Growing to a moderate size, it is versatile enough to adorn both small tabletops and large floor areas.
Calathea 'Marion'
Embrace a touch of the South American rainforest with the Calathea 'Marion'. Hailing from the lush, humid landscapes of Brazil, this mesmerizing houseplant is a true testament to nature's artistry. The 'Marion' exhibits leaves that are a deep, rich green, adorned with delicate light-green patterns that ripple out from the center, mimicking nature's finest hand-painted designs. The soft, velvety underside of each leaf adds a hint of purple, providing a captivating color contrast. True to its tropical origins, the 'Marion' flourishes in indirect light and relishes a humid environment.
Calathea Orbifolia
The orbifolia, as its name infers is characterized by its round, almost circular, shaped foliage. It is also one of the largest growing of the calathea species with leaves that can reach well over a foot wide.
Calathea 'Zebrina'
Calathea 'Zebrina', commonly known as the Zebra plant, owes its name to the striking striped pattern on its leaves, reminiscent of a zebra's coat. Originating from the tropical rainforests of Brazil, it embodies the lush and vibrant spirit of its native land, making it a dazzling addition to any plant collection.
The Zebra plant is admired for its large, elliptical leaves marked with dark green stripes running across the light green surface, creating a striking visual effect. For optimum growth, Calathea 'Zebrina' prefers a spot with indirect light, high humidity, and well-drained, consistently moist soil, replicating the conditions of its tropical habitat.
Calathea Burle Marx
Dive deep into the heart of the Amazon rainforest with the Calathea burle-marxii, a plant whose very existence is a tribute to the genius of Brazilian landscape artist, Roberto Burle Marx. Originally hailing from the lush, rain-soaked terrains of South America, this Calathea variant is a testament to nature's artistry and resilience.
Each of its elongated leaves unfurls like an artist's canvas, showcasing a blend of green shades in a mesmerizing pattern. The wavy-edged foliage presents an enchanting play of light and shadow, while its velvety purple underside whispers tales of its tropical origins.
Calathea loeseneri
Calathea loeseneri, commonly known as the Brazilian Star Calathea, is a stunning tropical plant that hails from the lush rainforests of South America, particularly Brazil. Renowned for its unique and eye-catching foliage, this plant brings a touch of exotic beauty to any indoor space.
The Brazilian Star Calathea features elongated, lance-shaped leaves that can grow up to 12 inches long. Each leaf displays a rich, dark green color on the upper surface, while the underside is a contrasting deep purple, creating a striking visual effect. The leaves are adorned with delicate, lighter green patterns along the midrib and veins, adding to their decorative appeal. One of the standout features of Calathea loeseneri is its growth habit. The plant forms a neat, bushy clump that can reach up to 2 feet in height, making it perfect for tabletops, shelves, or as a floor plant in smaller spaces.
